In Matchweek 17 of the Premier League, Arsenal secured a 1-0 away win over Everton.After the game, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta attended the press conference and took questions from the media.
On Whether He Is Satisfied with the Team’s Response After the Disappointing Performance Against Wolves
After the Wolves game, you were not satisfied with the team’s performance. A week later, are you happy with how the players responded tonight?
"I am very satisfied with the result and the team’s performance against a very tough, well-organized side. Everton’s style of play puts a lot of pressure on opponents, and the game could easily turn chaotic. But we didn’t let that happen, except for a phase with two corner kicks and a throw-in after we deliberately kicked the ball out of play. In the second half, we had three excellent chances to score a second or third goal but failed to convert them. The game might have been a bit tense at the end, but we kept a clean sheet. Overall, we could have built a much bigger advantage."
On Trossard Scoring the Crucial Penalty and Relieving the Pressure on Him
By the way, talking about Trossard—everyone has been discussing him in recent weeks. Scoring that crucial penalty must have taken a huge weight off his shoulders.
"Yes, I am absolutely delighted for him. On the pitch, Ødegaard, Saka and himself decided who would take the penalty, and they made a great decision because Trossard slotted the ball into the net calmly."
On Rice’s Outstanding Performance Once Again
I want to ask about Rice. I know we ask about him every week, but he put in another fantastic performance today.
"His performance was incredible. His all-round ability, the leadership he showed on the pitch, and the number of times he won back possession allowed us to progress the game smoothly. He has been extremely consistent again this season, and he is a very important player for us."
On Whether Arsenal Was Lucky to Avoid a Penalty in the Incidents Involving Saliba and Barry
Do you think the team had a bit of luck in the incidents involving Saliba and Barry, not being awarded a penalty against you?
"I know they (the refereeing team) checked it. I haven’t seen the footage, and I didn’t see a situation where we should have been awarded a penalty. So, I don’t know the exact details, and they have made their decision. We were involved in a lot of situations inside the penalty area, and I don’t want to comment further on this matter."
On His Opinion of Ødegaard Letting Trossard Take the Penalty
What do you think about Ødegaard letting Trossard take the penalty?
"It was a great decision."
On Whether This Act Reflects the Captain’s Selflessness, Similar to Handing Over the Penalty to Havertz Against Bournemouth in September 2023
This is a bit similar to the situation in September 2023 when he gave up the penalty to Havertz against Bournemouth, and Havertz scored in the end. Does this reflect the captain’s selflessness, taking the initiative to help a teammate under scrutiny?
"Yes, I agree with that, and it also reflects the player’s confidence. He trains hard every day and is very good at taking penalties, and he put the ball into the net. I like it when players take responsibility on the pitch and decide the best option for themselves. This is very positive."
On Ødegaard’s Performance, Especially in the Second Half, and His More Mature Passing
What is your opinion on Ødegaard’s performance, especially in the second half? He seemed to be more mature with his passing.
"Yes, he played more vertical passes, we found spaces, and that allowed him to launch more attacking moves forward. When the opponent’s pressing started to intensify, we should have killed off the game earlier."
On Leading the League at Christmas for the 3rd Time in 4 Years and What Makes Him Believe This Time Will Be Different to Win the Title
This is the 3rd time in 4 years that you have topped the league table before Christmas. What makes you believe this time will be different and that you can win the title?
"No, what gives me confidence is the team’s level of performance and consistency. It is very, very difficult to do this in this league, and it means the team has maintained a top-level performance. We have to enjoy the process of winning. You go to difficult places and go through tough moments. We have dealt with a lot of things, and now we are focused on the next game, trying to improve, ensuring everyone has this spirit and energy, and enjoying it."
On Whether Failing to Build a Bigger Advantage Has Been a Recurring Theme in Recent Games, as the Matches Seem Tenser Than Expected
You just mentioned that the advantage could have been bigger. Is this a recurring theme you have felt in recent games, because the matches seem to be more tense than expected?
"Yes, but well, you hit the post twice, and players in those positions usually put the ball into the net. But that’s how it is, and we have to keep working hard. The more we persist, the more chances we will get, and the bigger the advantage will be—that’s what we have to do."
On the Team’s Ball Carrying and Passing Performance, Especially Before the Penalty in the First Half, and the Importance of Possession Tempo Mentioned a Few Years Ago
At this stage of the season, I remember you mentioned the importance of possession tempo a few years ago. How do you think your team performed in terms of ball carrying and passing in these games, especially before the penalty in the first half?
"Yes, ultimately you have to control the tempo of the game. To do that, you need to understand the demands of the game—when to push forward quickly and when to slow down the pace. It is correct if you use the ball to trigger the situations you want. But sometimes when you need to be more penetrative and positive, you have to speed up the tempo. Today we did well in some moments and hesitated in others, which needs to be improved."
On the Difference in the Strategy to Maintain the Lead Compared to the Game Against Wolves Last Week
What do you think is the difference in the strategy to maintain the lead this week compared to the game against Wolves last week?
"Against Wolves, we created more chances inside the penalty area. Looking back at the game, it was incredible how many balls we failed to deliver to the right positions. It wasn’t until the last cross that we really thought about the delivery position. We could have built a bigger advantage, but this is something we have to learn from, to understand why we won."
